Red Raiders compete at nationals, Leither earns fifth place

Senior Nic Leither took home fifth place from the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament over spring break, which was hosted in Des Moines. Nine other members of the squad competed against the best the country has to offer.
As a team, the Raiders finished tied with Concordia in 18th place out of 35 teams.
At 197-pounds, Leither went 4-2 at the championships. He lost his opening match, but rebounded with three straight pins. After losing to the second-seed, Leither moved into the fifth-place match. The three-time all-American ended his career with a 7-3 win.
Junior Angelo Quintana went 1-2 at 125-pounds, picking up a 14-8 win in his second match.
At 133-pounds, freshman Ricky Ortiz dropped both of his matches, one by tech fall and one by fall.
Senior Josiah Simburger also went 1-2. He started out with a 19-1 tech fall victory, but lost his second match. His third match pitted him against fellow teammate and senior Matt Dowell. Dowell, who ended up 2-2, won the practice room matchup in overtime 6-1.
At 149-pounds., freshman Brett Gudeman earned a pin in 1:09 to win his second match. He finished 1-2. Freshman Zach Fishman opened up with a pin in 4:16, but dropped his next two matches.
Freshman Tyler Schafer and sophomore Ariel Bosque both qualified at 157-pounds, but they each dropped their two matches. Schafer had a close 5-3 loss in his second match.
Senior David Carter won his first match at 174-lbs. by a 13-3 major decision. He finished with a 1-2 record.
Off the mat, Leither and Dowell earned recognition as NAIA Scholar Athletes. It was the second time Dowell had received the honor.